The Duke of Cambridge was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine yesterday in a ceremony at the Society.

Babulal Sethia, the immediate past president of the Royal Society of Medicine, delivered a citation for Prince William and spoke of his work in search and rescue, piloting, and mental health awareness.

“The Duke of Cambridge is one of the most prominent individuals in our nation’s public life, but amongst his many public statements, he has previously recognised, and I quote, ‘that with privilege comes the responsibility to give back.’”

Sethia continued, “Without any doubt, he has ‘given back’, as he always said that he would, and he thereby continues to make major contributions to the overall well-being of our nation.”

The President of the Royal Society of Medicine, Sir Simon Wessely, presented Prince William with his award.

“It was a great honour for all of us to meet the Duke today and to celebrate the major contributions he is making to the health and mental wellbeing of our nation,” said Wessley.

“We are delighted that he has joined a fellowship that already includes his father and grandfather and some of the most distinguished men and women in science and medicine.”

After receiving his fellowship, Prince William had a chance to meet others involved in the Society.

Speaking of the Prince’s work as a search and rescue pilot, and as an air ambulance pilot, Sethia said, “This experience enabled him to connect with local communities and was a particularly remarkable contribution to our public life when one considers the many responsibilities that he discharged as a busy member of the Royal Family.

“In recent years, the Duke of Cambridge has been a leading protagonist in the campaign to persuade the Society to address the challenges posed by mental health issues,” said Sethia, noting that he, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry all “worked tirelessly to promote public awareness of mental health problems and the need to tackle the stigma often associated with these problems.”